Centre takes cognisance of overdrawal of power; CERC to hear plea

Published: Monday, November 19, 2007, 20:04 [IST]

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Mumbai, Nov 19 (UNI) Incidents of undeclared power cuts across Maharashtra due to Under Frequency Relay (UFR) did not occur in the last two days due to the efforts made by the Minister for Energy Dilip Walse Patil who persistently pursued the matter with the Union Power Ministry.

Frequent overdrawal of power by the Northern States breaching the National Grid discipline has adversely affected power supply in Maharashtra since the beginning of this month.

There were 11 incidents of UFR on November 12, 26 incidents on November 13, 24 on November 14, 17 on November 15 and six on November 16. There were no incidents of UFR on November 16 and 17 as complaint was lodged with the Centre by the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company, sources in the State Energy department said.

Against overdrawal of power by the Northern States, Mr Walse Patil recently met Union Minister for Power Mr Sushil Kumar Shinde at New Delhi along with Managing Director of MSEDCL Dr A B Pandey and principal secretary (energy) Mr Rahul Asthana pointing out to the overdrawal of power by the Northern States.

Taking cognisance of the complaint, Mr Shinde promised to look personally into the matter. On the directions issued by the Union Power Ministry, Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL) filed petition with the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC). The CERC will soon hear the petition.

Significantly, Northern Region Load Dispatch Centre has also lodged complaint with the CERC against Northern States comprising Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana for overdrawal of power.